(Subscription required) A California Court of Appeal on Monday grappled with whether an award aimed at improving prison workplace safety unlawfully forced the state to violate fire codes or spend unapproved funds. At the center of the case is a ruling requiring the state to address safety concerns raised by dental staff working in small, enclosed rooms with inmates inside prisons.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Los Angeles County Deputy Alternate Public Defender Erin Dixon and private practitioner Gary Tokumori to vacancies on the Los Angeles Superior Court. 

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta, in what he termed “a highly unique case,” has granted a motion by the office of District Attorney Nathan Hochman to dismiss, in the interests of justice, voluntary manslaughter charges brought under the administration of his predecessor against two Torrance police officers.

Santa Clara County Superior Court officials are warning residents about a rise in jury duty scams across the county in which callers impersonate court officials or law enforcement officers to pressure people into providing personal information or money.